Bonny Scotland

The birthplace of golf, the home of Sean Connery and the land of whiskey, Scotland offers arty types a wealth of cultural experiences,

Currently in the spotlight because the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, greater Scotland is experiencing a resurgence in interest. Whether it’s staying in a historic hunting lodge on the windswept moors, touring (and tasting) at a distillery or simply settling in for a night in any number of cosy country pubs trying to decipher the chattering brogue, Scotland offers something completely unique.

Check out the art and architecture of Art Nouveau great Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Glasgow, play a round of golf at St Andrews (hint: it’s not cheap but if you’re into golf, it’s the equivalent of golf mecca) or go rambling along the cliffs like a character in Wuthering Heights or Camelot.

Head to Edinburgh for a complete change of speed; the Scottish capital is a hotbed of art, theatre, live music and comedy. Outside the key festival times of the comedy festival and the Christmas and New Year tattoo, there is still plenty to experience on any given day.

Not known for its cuisine, the Scots have a reputation for deep frying anything and everything, including the infamous battered Mars Bar. Try some haggis and oatcakes while you’re at it and you’ve pretty much experienced all that Scotland has to offer in terms of dining. Fortunately what it lacks in cuisine, it makes up for in drinking; Scotland is definitely one of the happiest places in the world to have a night on the tiles.